More Anthony Smith

Biographie

TRAINING: A typical day of training is intense. Strength and conditioning at 6am, technique in the afternoon and team practice/sparring at night, 6 days a week.

When and why did you start training for fighting? 2006. I was just a rowdy teenager that wanted to fight without getting in trouble. I didn’t expect anything to become of it. I hooked up with my management team (Disorderly Conduct Management) and began going to Premier Combat Center (Head Coach UFC vet Ryan Jensen) I excelled at training and learning all the aspects of MMA and loved it. Now, fighting is my profession and I can honestly say it probably saved my life.

What ranks and titles have you held? I am currently Ranked 26th in the World on www.fightmatrix.com at middleweight. I am the XKL Middleweight Champion. I am the Cornhusker Fight Club Middleweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? Mom

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is a dream come true. I've been through so many trials and tribulations in life. I had my chance so many times and always came up short. It's finally my chance to show the world what I'm capable of and make my mark. I don't really feel like I'm fighting for the viewers or crowd though in this first fight; I'm fighting to show Dana and the UFC that I belong there and I will be a future star. My goal is to make an impression on them. This is my shot to change my life forever. It's gonna take more than Antonio Neto to stop me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No, I have always been a fighter

What was your job before you started fighting? I turned pro at 19; this has been my only Job. I have been paying my dues, grinding,and living off of this sport I LOVE!

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Fought over 30 amateur fights and won every local promotion’s belt in Nebraska

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle

Favorite Striking technique: Head kicks

What do you consider to be the key fight in your career, and why? Actually it was my only loss in my last 10 fights about a year ago vs. Jesse Forbes, immediately after he was cut from the UFC. I was beating him up badly in the first round and I broke my forearm on his forehead and ended up losing the fight in the second. It showed me that I belonged at the top level of the sport. Since I came back from that broken arm I have won five fights, including a win in just over a minute vs. a top rated fighter, Eric Schambari.